Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
AN: Apologies that this took so long (seriously FOREVER)- I've had a real lack of motivation which is the worst feeling (and with people I grew up admiring dying left and right…ugh *sniffs*). Anyhow…
Just an FYI the flashback is a bit fragmented- I had originally written a full scene- the party and Rukia slipping from it only to end up in a dark room… But it got too long and there were other things to flesh out and consider. The main point is their meeting anyway so…
There is a cameo by my Heart's A-Stray OC as the setting of this story seems kinda similar (in a way) to that (though I express in this update that the characters are in fact in England and not Japan).
*Also- the ending is open- there's purposely no big tie-all-ends-conclusion- but I won't be adding another part- so hopefully it's still satisfying. It's pretty long
Thanks all for the follows, favs, and reviews- I'm hella grateful!
Word Count: 5,555
Satiate
Among the Lemon Tree's Thorns
Part Two
888
In the rain soaked garden she collapsed among the jasmine. Her heart pattered against her ribs, aching and alight and bursting. Her clothing was plastered to her skin, but she barely noticed.
She sucked in her bottom lip, refusing the helpless tears threatening her navy eyes. The panic made her stomach unsteady and she balled her hands into fists, pressing them to her belly.
With a deliberately deep inhale she closed her eyes.
A startling kiss in a dark room…
She'd never been kissed like that. Kaien was too gentle for that kind of kiss. Shock and shame still made an icy trail down her spine when she thought on it. But there was no denying that just as that cold feeling swept through so too did an indescribable heat.
She winced, her face contorting in pain as her guilt bloomed due to the much too vivid memory. But even before that sense of contrition- how shameful to admit- she had recalled the potent longing awoken in that one instance.
There was no way to forget the feeling, that strange and thrilling craving that hit at the moment of impact… Those lips… To banish the recollection of those lips…
How could she forget when he haunted her so?
Burning sapphire orbs opened to reveal her contempt for the man who had for days now stalked her about- every turn he seemed to be there!
Seeing his smug face- that smirk- that quirk of his lips as he gazed at her with molten cinnamon eyes…
How infuriating!
Bastard- mocking her- making her feel as though she were a pawn in his twisted game of seduction!
But then…
Her eyes fell shut helplessly a desperate expression passing her features as she tipped her head back, feeling the sun reaching through the trees to slide along her face.
Sometimes…
Sometimes when their eyes met now… just sometimes a smile tinged in sorrow would greet her gaze. It was so hard to read him when his eyes still burned- bright, fiery, but there was obvious pain painted in his expression…
Like maybe… He was just as tormented by their betrayal- just as anguished by the thought of the feeling sparked between them.
A whimper sounded in her throat. She fought hard not to reminisce- but she was pulled in headlong…
He hadn't known it was her- and she at first hadn't recognized him- his frame- and the wild mess of hair was so much like her fiance's.
But then lightning lit the sky, the floor to ceiling window a wall of white illumination behind them. The silver light caught in his fire-kissed hair and alighted in her amethyst tinted navy eyes and for a second the world stopped.
For just a moment there was no horror- shock, no contrition at all for being caught in one another's embrace.
'You.' He'd said softly. There had been no accusation in his tone- just an aching gentleness that she couldn't decipher.
She'd sucked in a gasping breath then- breaking their momentary peace- dashing that strange feeling of comfort that had blanketed them. When she had stepped back from his hold a cold feeling rushed her so quickly she had hugged her arms about herself as gooseflesh appeared.
He hadn't tried to pull her back- he'd loosened his grip on her waist. But he had stood where once he had leaned against the edge of the desk. Just one step forward with his long legs and he'd be pressed against her again. But he just stared- just looked at her with this yearning still written on his handsome features. Yearning and hurt and something… else… And then it was gone. His eyes had gone dark, emotion falling behind a veil as his jaw clenched.
She too had stiffened, letting her arms fall to her sides, letting the fear disappear beneath a mask of practicality.
'I thought you were Kaien.' She had spoken directly, only the slightest wavering to her voice.
He had smirked then, his eyes flashing with something harsh, 'Of course.'
Her heart, starting to find its regular rhythm by that point, had given a dramatic thud. Yet she lifted her chin- in control.
'Then-,'
He had scoffed, tossing his head, 'I won't say anything, Princess. I won't ruin my cousin's happiness.'
Rukia had exhaled a pent up breath then. Despite that she felt a jittery feeling tingling along her nerves she gave a brisk nod in acknowledgement. Following this she had turned on her heel, the red and black skirt of her dress making a soft shushing sound. Before she had reached the door though he had shifted.
'Does he know?' His voice had caught her, held her before she could step over the threshold and break into a desperate sprint.
She hadn't wanted to stop- but his voice- that warm tenor had brushed her skin and she had frozen in response.
'I beg your pardon?' She had heard the strain in her voice.
His voice had deepened then, rumbled like the thunder in the background- something dark and sexual and wrong. 'Does my cousin know you moan like that when you're kissed? Or has he never elicited such a response?'
The mockery was like a slap to her face and her whole body had flushed with anger and embarrassment. Shamefully, even tears had pricked at her eyes at the callousness.
There was nothing she could think of to say. Perhaps she might have burst into pent up tears or a vicious tirade that might echo against the walls.
But instead she had cast a glare over her shoulder at him- a warning. Gathering her skirts in one gloved hand she had turned forward and strode out of the dark study. The lit sconces on the walls of the corridor had cast shadows and each one made her increase her pace- fearful one might manifest into the man she'd left behind.
She'd rejoined the party- her engagement party (one of many)- and went in search of her fiancé. He had smiled warmly when she reached his side and she had mirrored this expression without falter. Slipping her arm through his she had stood next to him as he chatted amiably with the guests.
She didn't leave his side until they had to part as the party-goers dispersed and he saw her to her rooms. His aqua eyes had sparkled as she drew back from the kiss she'd planted lightly on his cheek. After a kiss to the back of her hand and a promise to call on her the next day, Kaien had parted from her with a wave and his easy smile.
And that night- despite how she had berated herself, paced up and down her bedroom, angrily hissing every curse she knew- that night she dreamt of her fiance's cousin.
Just one kiss and she could imagine his hands tracing sensuous patterns on her skin… She'd been left stunned by how smooth and attentive his lips were- and how skillful his tongue. In her dreams he was slow- torturing her wickedly until she had fallen apart- her orgasm rocking her from sleep to panting wakefulness.
Her whole body shuddered upon the breath she drew in as her eyes flew open. There was blood in her mouth- her teeth had shredded at her inner lip as she bit back a moan at the memory.
The brief moments stolen in that room had been erotic despite their tame nature in the scheme of things. What more might have happened if she hadn't realized? His hands had burned against her, she had felt their longing- they'd wanted to linger and explore. Not only was this thought disturbing but- they could have very well been caught!
There were tears now. Unbidden tears had welled up in her eyes and were now making a slow trail down her face. The truth stung so badly in her chest and it mingled so completely with her indecisiveness… She was utterly forlorn. Her hands in trembling fists were clutched tight to her stomach as she hunched over in pain.
I hate it! I hate it! I hate him!
More blood spilled onto her tongue, just as more tears coursed over her cheeks.
She was vulnerable to the echoes of her true thoughts.
But no more than I hate myself… With him- only for those moments- I was sure I'd found the other part of me…
…
He pushed drowned black locks from his eyes, smiling wryly as a few golden rays began to caress him as if in apology. He didn't so much mind the rain- but he couldn't claim to like it either. England's dodgy weather was best taken with a grain of salt.
Still the precipitation had brought out the green smell of the lush grounds and his surroundings glittered with the crystalline remnants. Admittedly this damp country was beautiful.
He grimaced at the light squishing of his socks, soaked in his black wingtips. He shrugged, hands shoved in his pockets now as he loped across the grounds.
Abruptly he stopped as he heard the swish of grass just beyond the hedges, indicating another person traversing the wet lawn. His eyes narrowed as he listened. Two people?
"Rukia?" His long legs brought him from the bushes' shadows and into the path that circled around the property before it fell away into thick forest.
Aqua eyes widened.
The horse, reined in by its handler whickered softly as it eyed the man before dropping its head to snuffle at the grass.
"Miyako."
The handler's lips were parted in surprise as she returned his stare, her soft brown eyes wide. Her grip on the reins had slackened and she felt her charge turn its head, threatening to wander. She wound the reins more tightly around her fist, flushing as she dropped her gaze.
"Kaien-sama." She bobbed in deference to the noble.
A smile unfurled on his face, his eyes shimmering with unhindered delight at seeing her.
Her heart thumped in response as she looked up from under her long lashes. Slowly she returned a small smile, unable to deny how the curve of his lips made happiness bloom in her breast.
And so they stood between cultivated land and untamed forest; it would seem they were always on the precipice.
…
Grey eyes scanned from the balcony's height. Bright greenery met these eyes and the man exhaled contentedly. Yet still there was unease tickling at his breast and his gaze grew shrewd. Something was going on- his instincts were certain of it.
"Kuchiki-sama, if you would, I have prepared tea." The tempered voice of Rukia's manservant broke through the other man's thoughts.
"I am only here to look in on my sister, Ishida-san." Byakuya returned quietly, though firmly.
"I understand that sir, but my lady would thoroughly scold if I were not to offer his lordship some respite." Ishida bowed forward slightly, a gloved hand laid over his heart.
Out of the corner of his eyes the nobleman noted the smallest of smiles on the other man's face before the look disappeared. A slight smirk pulled at the corner of his lips for a second, his eyes growing heavy lidded as he returned his sights to the estate's property.
"Perhaps one cup then, Ishida-san." He finally said, in his elegant tones.
"Your lordship." The butler acknowledged this with a deep bow before straightening to prepare a cup of black tea. He had already thoroughly dried the sturdy iron table and placed a fresh white table cloth over it. A vase of lilacs, freshly cut, sat at the center of the table, dewed with raindrops, their fragrance light at this stage of bloom.
After a cup and saucer had been placed in his reach, Byakuya took a sip before settling back into the patio chair. He crossed one leg over the other, considering the other man who awaited his orders, head bowed.
"Have you any idea as to when Rukia might return?"
"No, my lord. She did not make me aware before taking her… walk." Ishida responded carefully. He kept his navy eyes lowered, afraid that meeting the other man's eyes would betray his misgivings.
He was nothing if not loyal and he knew his mistress would be disappointed should he let slip the man she had been entertaining. Still, he had a strong urging to bring up the Shiba heir's insistent visits. While he couldn't claim to be privy to what exactly was going on between his mistress and the man, his unease was growing with each encounter. He opened his mouth, but only took a breath, hands fisting at his sides as he kept his silence.
Byakuya who had been studying the servant felt his jaw tighten, noting the man's hesitation. Silvery eyes narrowed as the noble broached slowly, "You have served my sister for precisely four years now… The day I hired you I was completely certain of your capabilities in serving a young woman of my sister's status… I can only assume should something… troubling arise you would bring it to my attention."
Ishida swallowed with difficulty, tension immediately shooting throughout his body as he realized he had done something to tip off the prince's suspicions. Surely though the hyperaware man had sensed something about his sister before…
Cobalt eyes met cold steel orbs.
For a moment the butler kept his thoughts veiled, refusing to reveal his lady's secrets. But Byakuya Kuchiki could not so easily be challenged and dissuaded from his intentions. After a moment Ishida conceded letting his uncertainty shine through. Just that slight indication of something amiss alerted Byakuya and he gave a brisk nod.
Before he might question the servant however, footsteps sounded on the stone.
There was the sound of scrabbling, feet slipping against wet stone, followed by a distinct clatter.
"Oh!" There was a familiar feminine gasp.
An indulgent look passed over Byakuya's face, and he sat back in his chair in an almost languid pose.
Soon his wife's dark head could be seen bobbing as she made progress up the steps. Taking an exaggerated breath as she reached the top of the stairs, her green eyes blinked back the sunlight. She surveyed the balcony and smiled when her eyes alighted on her husband.
"Hello love!" She chirped, her long dark hair spilling onto his shoulder as she leaned down to kiss his cheek from behind him. He inhaled subtly as she drew back. She smelled of cinnamon, likely the aftermath of having spent her morning in the bakeshop she liked. She breezed around him, her wedge-sandals vining up her legs making a light hollow sound as she walked to drop into the seat Ishida held out for her across the table.
A finger bowl appeared as well as a towel and Inara took advantage of both. Then silently the meticulous butler set a cup of frothy coffee in front of the woman before withdrawing with another bow.
"Thank you, Ishida-san!" The woman called after him over her shoulder before resituating and reaching for her cup.
Meanwhile, Byakuya eyed her silently, noting the cropped black riding pants bore traces of mud. Still her shirt was pristine, but for the sleeve cuffs, slightly mottled with debris. His brow twitched slightly at the strings undone at the neck of the white shirt, revealing more of her collar and upper chest than he would have liked. He ignored his inclination to bait her by mentioning it.
After greeting her with a polite inquiry, the noble listened as she chattered away about her morning, just barely forestalling a small smile at her animated speech and the way she gestured with careless grace.
At some point her words held no meaning and he simply drifted on the soft accent, relaxing as this kind of exchange was familiar and comfortable. But when she fidgeted and then pulled a vial from her vest pocket he was suddenly attentive once more.
She set the vial on the table and the red liquid in it gleamed. Byakuya's eyes widened as he sat straight, his other foot dropping to the floor. The last time he had seen that glass vessel it had been full and in the hands of one Ichigo Kurosaki.
"…didn't crush it- thank you very much Mr.: 'you're-so-ridiculously-clumsy-must-you-break-everything-you-touch'… Pretty bauble, no? Though I wonder what exactly is inside…"
Inara trailed off as Byakuya snatched up the vial and stood.
Several things occurred to him at once.
One that he was rather glad that his wife was not as inept as she used to be or the evidence might have shattered.
Two that his sister was at the center of a plot he had unwittingly been a party to- and now might be hopelessly enthralled (if the vial's lack of contents were any indication) with a certain orange-haired buffoon.
And three, Kurosaki Ichigo was a dead man…
The prince had always been quick when it came to decision-making in urgent situations. This time was no exception.
That woman… She is partially responsible! And she must have some antidote… I will go to her first.
His knuckles cracked as his hands flexed into fists. The strong urge to seek and destroy was truly his first thought- but Shiba could wait. If what he feared had transpired his sister was vulnerable, at the mercy of a man with dubious intentions (and an appalling lack of social graces if he were splitting hairs).
On his feet now, vial slipped into the pocket of his tailored suitcoat, he turned burning granite eyes on the butler, "Whatever it takes find Rukia, secure her inside and let no one enter." He knew he could leave it to Ishida- the man was instinctively protective of his mistress.
"My prince?" Inara studied him with concern, using a title that had once been applied sarcastically, but had since become an endearment.
Byakuya took a breath to tamp down on the raging emotions, the intensity of his gaze easing as he turned his sights upon his wife, "Would you kindly help Ishida-san in retrieving my sister?"
She was brimming with questions and her lips parted, but she simply gave a nod.
He offered the briefest smile and headed toward the patio doors, but paused. "Inara, if you should chance upon Shiba Ichigo…" A heavy, nearly uncontrolled anger tinged his deep tones, "Those Judo lessons you insisted upon… put them to good use."
Surprise alighted on the woman's face while the steward simply smirked, bowing to the man striding with purpose from the patio.
…
A weary sigh passed her lips and Rukia picked herself up from the damp lawn, her tears spent. Her brow furrowed in consternation as she plucked at her wet shirt.
With another sigh, eyes closed for a moment she pointed herself in the direction of the stables.
…
The hay was fresh and golden, a heavy surplus of bales within the storage room adjacent to the stalls where the purebloods resided. Sweet grasses and halved apples had been generously given to her champions and the air was pleasantly perfumed with the offerings.
A smile played on her lips as her prize-winners whickered in greeting as she idled by, running her hand down their soft foreheads.
With little thought she found herself dropping back amongst the hay bales, finding herself in a gilded mound that was both soft and somewhat scratchy. Hugging her knees to her chest she poignantly avoided all thoughts but those of awaiting her fiancé. Her eyes flickered over the purebred mares that graced the Kuchiki stables. When the sound of footsteps nearing hit her ears she jumped to her feet, her heart beginning to race.
She wasn't sure if it was anticipation or perhaps dread- would it not be hard to face Kaien honestly since her most recent encounter with his cousin? A frown tugged at her mouth as she recognized that there was more than one set of footsteps, she shuffled forward to better peer toward the open entryway.
An arm suddenly appeared around her waist and a hand muffled an indignant gasp. Her heartbeat increased, fear helplessly striking as she was drug backwards. Naturally, she kicked out, but her assailant held her above the straw-littered floor. Her struggles ebbed however when she took a deep breath to attempt a desperate scream and inhaled a familiar scent. Her heart was now aching behind her ribs, its rhythm impossibly fast.
Obscured by a wall made of bales of hay, her abductor stopped and she squirmed to look over her shoulder at him, already certain of the handsome face that would meet her gaze.
He looked preoccupied, his head tilted up and away from her as he listened intently. She too stilled, eyes glued to his well-cut jawline. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes, only then realizing that there were voices echoing lightly.
"… I didn't mean it like that Miyako-san- I mean…"
"…It's- it's okay- I'm pleased- flattered… I…"
"Miyako…"
There was a shuffling of feet, the scrape of straw on the floorboards. In the silence that followed she could distinctly feel the rise and fall of Ichigo's chest against her back; her heart beat an even stronger tattoo.
Teeth sinking into her lip she tried to clear her head and ignore the heat and scent of him enveloping her.
What is going on?
There was the stirring of hay and slide of feet.
"Kaien-sama." The address was soft, pleading.
Kaien? Rukia's eyes widened. How had she not recognized his voice? And the Stables-Mistress… Well they were childhood friends, but somehow…
"I know… and I'm sorry… I… I'm sorry, Miyako- truly."
The arms around her tightened and the chest at her back swelled- in indignation perhaps?
Unconsciously she leaned back, let him take her weight as her heart unburdened itself.
Before she became close with Kaien she had always wondered about his relationship with Miyako-san. She'd been determined not to get in the way of it- regardless of how she admired the Eldest Shiba. But Kaien had assured her…
Only the smallest twinge sparked in her heart as she realized she'd put blinders on this whole time. But then so had Kaien.
A great sigh escaped her, a heaviness sloughing from her shoulders and Ichigo looked down at her, startled by the movement.
She tipped her head and met his gaze. His hand slid from her mouth so that only his forefinger remained, tracing her lips.
His other hand holding her side shifted, guiding gently; she turned to face him without hesitation.
Somehow that honey-brown gaze was the perfect reassurance; her pulse was evening out, moment by moment as she allowed him to caress her face with light, sure fingers.
She felt his breath fan her face a moment before his lips melded to hers with burning enthusiasm.
…
The door burst open, the plants swung in their pots hanging from the ceiling, the shelves shuddered, vials clanking together.
Her gaze was calm even as his was electric.
His fury radiated from him, visible in the way he shook slightly. But with a deep breath the angry countenance cooled, refined to sharp, iciness.
"You will undo what you've done." He demanded, eyes searing her face.
But despite his palpable rage chilling the air she gave the smallest smile before her eyes fell to her hands and the cards being shuffled between them.
His eyes narrowed and he straightened so that his frame seemed to eclipse everything about them in the small shop.
Finally, as she expertly fanned out the cards on the counter, she murmured, "There is nothing to undo, Mr. Kuchiki." Her grey eyes flickered up beneath her lashes then, her expression impressively serious before her smile wiped it away.
"There is," He took a threatening step forward, "And I will have the solution. Now."
She gave a giggle that she hid with one hand, as with the other she slid one card forward. Her eyes caught the sunlight streaming through the small window to her left, making them appear golden for a moment. Her tone was light and airy as it had always been, "Silly! What was set in motion began long before Kurosaki-kun sought me out. I really couldn't affect such momentum!"
Byakuya felt his patience thinning, yet he remained silent, allowing her words to sink in. A frown tugged at the gentlemanly features. Before he realized it his long legs carried him to the counter silently until he could peer down at the card her forefinger rested on.
"The Lovers?"
…
It was instantaneous.
Knowing for certain that only these moments mattered as his long fingers made short work of her laces.
She exhaled fully as the corset loosened and was quickly shed.
Fear of the future seemed utterly trivial. His jacket dropped to the floor. Her hands had never been so fast unbuttoning the gray vest and then pushing it from his shoulders. All the while his eyes burning into her and his hands roamed her exposed skin.
He was hasty in pulling his shirt over his head and then their bare skin clashed as he lunged down to furiously kiss her again, his hands cupping either side of her jaw. He could feel the pulse in her neck against his fingers.
They stumbled backwards.
Oh. She had forgotten about Kaien.
What was she to feel- betrayed, hurt, angry? She couldn't feel anything akin to such emotions as the very blood in her veins yearned for the man pressing her back into that soft yet somewhat scratchy pile of sweet hay.
She arched into him as his hungry lips latched to her breasts, unaware that she had gasped so loudly the sound echoed. She barely spared a thought about what she might do if they were caught.
Any rational cares were tossed aside in lieu of feeling this man's hot breath and clever tongue all over her flesh.
Her moral compass might have demanded that she end things with her current fiancé before allowing this tawdry encounter.
But to her it wasn't so scandalous or cruel.
Ichigo shimmied down her leggings enough to expose the indent of her pelvis, kissing each side reverently.
She mewled, hips moving in an unconscious mime of an act she had no practice with, yet craved.
If she were to really grasp onto any thought it was that she had never felt arousal of this kind- never experienced this kind of need with anyone.
His breath panting out in hot gusts, Ichigo paused and look up into the noblewoman's eyes, "Rukia…"
It was only a moment- the briefest second- she said nothing and yet permission had been granted and she was soon totally nude before him.
She could just barely recall how he'd set aside her boots carefully and slid up her pants so that he could slowly roll the thin stockings from each calf and off her feet.
He rose over her, shirtless, muscled, beautiful. Her thighs tensed as the heat between them grew hotter, feeling anxious as his trousers brushed the wetness leaking from her.
This man wasn't her fiancé.
Her arms slid around his shoulders and her legs enclosed him as her hips helplessly rolled to feel the hardness yet hidden from her.
She let out a soft cry as he moved to her rhythm, brown eyes never leaving her face. One hand slipped from his broad back and fisted the belt between them.
Her lip was between her teeth, and he could see in her eyes the immense craving- the impatience. He could swear her juices were soaking right through the layers of fabric and bathing his aching cock.
He moaned and ground down against her, still holding himself up on his hands over her.
Her cheeks were ruddy and sweat was beginning to bead her forehead. The stables were hot.
He shuddered as she leaned up and lapped a salty drop from his nipple.
Grabbing her chin he tugged her away and into a heated kiss just as she yanked away his belt.
It was him that broke the sensual rhythm of things to tear at the button of his slacks only to rip them slightly as he kneeled and pushed them to his knees.
He was on her again, but this time there were no barriers and she made a keening sound as she felt his erection slide against her stomach.
But his mouth was on hers again and all the odd, random words bubbling up within her were forced away by his tongue diving into lap at her own.
The smacking of their lips and their muffled groans must have been terribly strange to the occupants of the stalls around them and when the young woman cried out more than one stamped uneasily.
Ichigo stilled, staring in growing concern at the young woman beneath him. She gripped his back, her eyes screwed shut tight. His voice was slightly dry as he offered, "Rukia… Does it hurt so much?"
She shook her head fiercely even as tears escaped the corners of her eyes, "No, fool!"
He cocked a crooked grin at her stubbornness, drawing a hand down her cheek until she gazed at him.
Once again no words of trust or assurances of affection were exchanged- they were simply understood.
She shuddered when he pulled out, but eased her hold on his back and leaned upward to offer her lips to him.
The sound she made as he slid into her again was consumed by him. His strokes were slow, but thorough and sure.
Nothing, but the sensation of his hands (caressing her sides, her thighs, burying themselves in her hair), his lips (supping at her neck and trailing to her breasts), and the feeling of his solidness, weighed on her mind.
Even the discomfort of her first time did not give her pause, the lingering sting an afterthought.
The sheer burden of being unable to give into her heart had disappeared the instant she'd found her resolve by merely looking into his eyes.
And now as he sweated over her, moaned her name, thrust deeply into her she felt the dam fully burst.
He fell into the abyss with her, shaking slightly with the release of his own energy and emotions.
…
"You good?" He asked her as she paused next to him where he straddled his chrome motorbike on the gravel drive.
She only answered with a cheeky smile, taking a helmet and placing it on her head. The hand she placed on his shoulder to anchor herself onto the bike was ring-less.
He smirked, pleased, and placed the goggles on his head over his eyes and leaning over to grip the handlebars. She settled behind him, hands sinking into the leather of his jacket over his stomach.
Tipping her head back the former Kuchiki Princess gazed up into the blue, squinting against the sunlight that poured across her face. She smiled, admiring how it lit up the wild hair of the main in front of her.
As she pressed into his back Ichigo helplessly grinned, standing the bike up straight before starting the engine and pushing back the kickstand with his foot.
"No regrets, right?" He called over the roar of the engine.
For a moment Rukia pictured the brief note she'd left in Kaien's postbox, a bit of twine tied into a bow holding her engagement ring hugging the envelope like a present.
"That's right...None." She answered finally.
He gave a smug grunt in response, revving the engine.
She held on for dear life.
…
6 Months Later:
"My lord." The dark-haired butler bowed at the door, a silver tray balanced on one hand. But before his master could acknowledge him his master's wife swept in through the doorway and plucked a piece of paper from the tray as she passed.
"Oh Ishida-san- do you know what this is?" She questioned brightly.
The young man gave a brief nod and bowed once more before turning to leave, just hiding the smirk on his face.
"Darling, another postcard." Inara smiled, waving said correspondence in front of her husband's face from across the desk.
"Hn." He set down the parchment he'd been reading and took the postcard from her hands.
She gave a knowing smile and sauntered out of his office.
The prince gave a soundless sigh and stared at the blank postcard, eyes lingering on the lonely stamp and address for a moment before turning it over to stare at the photograph printed on the back.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Egypt, is it? She always did have a fascination with tombs.
…
The new chime rang above the door, a pleasing tinkling sound.
She looked up from the counter in anticipation.
"Pardon me… My employer recommended your shop for tea ingredients. I… Inoue-san." Ishida paused in the doorway, recognizing the pretty young woman he'd made the acquaintance of in the market a year before.
"Ah! Ishida-san," She smiled a favorable blush highlighting her cheeks, "… Yes- yes- I can help you… Um- I was never quite good with tea- though I have all the makings for a good cuppa…"
Their gazes held tight as quiet stretched between them.
Finally, Ishida offered slowly, "Well then… Shall I- show you how…? It is really not so complex a process…"
The young beauty beamed and the butler flushed.
"I should like that, Ishida-san. Please, come in."
…
AN: So this was really a venture into trying my hand at something more descriptive to challenge myself at setting a more elaborate scene (which kinda fell by the wayside this update because I really wanted to wrap it up). Anyway…
Thanks!